WHY: The Snowy Plover is a threatened species. Nesting on the open sand makes them very vulnerable. Often their eggs and chicks are at risk of being stepped on or destroyed by unknowing beach users or off leash dogs.This is where the docents come in, and make a difference.Docents provide a personal and friendly contact for beach users. They promote public interest and understanding, and in turn, dramatically increase the effectiveness of other plover/tern management efforts at the Reserve.Once a docent, only two hours a week is required.

The Snowy Plover Docent Program (SPDP) was started in 2001 to assist with the protection of the Snowy Plovers at Coal Oil Point Reserve, (COPR) and to raise awareness in the community of the importance of the preservation of this species and its habitat.The docent program is credited with being the most important aspect of the species re-habitation of Sands Beach and subsequent nesting. This program is under the auspices of the Santa Barbara Audubon Society

UPCOMING Docent Training dates :

No Training Session in December, Please visit the website for January Session date.